IS-2 heavy tank [1:72]

History
in progress

The kit
I bought this model as a self-reward for the passed finals and BA exam. I think this is one of Italeri's more popular kits, since I've seen it in almost every model shop I've been at.

The box actually contains two tanks, the standard model and a simplified snap-kit for wargaming, with tracks and suspension cast as a single piece. Its details are somewhat simplified and softer than those of the standard model. I've assembled it, but I dont think there's really anything to show.

While it may not look like at first, the fit of the parts is fantastic. I had no problems whatsoever assembling this tank. I really liked one solution of the turret assembly: the pieces are split along welding marks of the real things. So when I was making it, I applied slightly too much glue, and when I squeezed the pieces, it formed a characteristic pattern, similar to the poorly sanded welding, so characteristic for the Soviet tanks.

There is quite a lot of small elements: especially the hooks on the turret, used to lift either the whole thing, or just the gun cradle and mantlet. The characteristic hand rails for the tank riders are also applied by hands. Do not be afraid to use slightly more glue, because you will need it, and it'll look like they were welded in hurry. Likewise, do not worry you'll put them wrong, they were often welded by hand and often happen to be crooked to the one way or another.

The tracks are made of separate links, but they are actually rather easy to assemble. Sadly, they do not represent the characteristic overhang of the real tracks, though I think you would bend them for this shape, as the plastic is rather soft and flexible, but I'm not sure if that won't make them slightly too short. But pay attention when you cut the pieces out of the sprue! There are two separate links and two double ones that do not go for the tracks - they are actually spare links placed on the lower glacis. They have two beams and a set of bolts on them, so you'll be able to differentiate them from the other links, but I've almost put one link in the track by accident.

The kit offers four Soviet paintings (the box only lists three, because one is a markings-less tank), one with a three-tone camouflage, but I had different plans. Initially, I wanted to make the model of the running IS-2 tank from Armoured Warfare Museum in Poznan. However, when I've taken a closer look on the box, I've noticed this is the early model with a two-step frontal armour, while the one in AWM is a later model, with a sloped armour.

For a brief moment I considered buying the Il-28 jet bomber instead, but then I thought: Come to think of it, I bet every model maker in Poland will now want to make that particular IS-2 from Poznan. But this isn't the only tank there. And so I decided that instead, I'll give it the markings of the first IS-2 tank I've seen - the white 415 from Poznan Museum of Armament.

While I couldn't find the exact same numbers, nor paint them by hand, I used a spare sheet from one of Zvezda's 1/144 aircraft kits. Against my initial fears, they did fit between the hand railings. However, I still need two more elements - the Piast eagles, markings of Polish armoured vehicles in the east. I tried to paint them and make them look crude, as if done by a crew with no artistic skills, but it resulted in two blots of white paint. I painted them over, and I intend to buy a spare sheet once an occasion occurs - so consider the turret a work in progress, I'll update the photos once I have them.

Can I recommend this model? Absolutely. Nicely detailed, well-fitting parts, even the tiniest elements and tracks are easy to assemble. If you are into the Soviet vehicles of World War II, Italeri's IS-2 is a perfect choice.